'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Using the Wrong Email Client When Sending Worksheets
Question details
Excel launches an incorrect or outdated email application when the user tries to send a worksheet via email commands, ignoring the system's default settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows, macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to share or send an Excel spreadsheet directly through the application's built-in email features.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to recognize Outlook as the default mail client and instead opens obsolete applications like Windows Live Mail.
Ensure that your preferred email client (such as Microsoft Outlook) is properly installed, updated to the latest version, and currently logged in with an active email account before adjusting your default system settings.
Set the Default Email Client in System Settings
Configuring the OS-level default app settings is the primary way to ensure Excel recognizes the correct mail program.
Excel relies on the operating system's default application settings to determine which email client to launch. Ensuring this is explicitly set to your preferred application can resolve the conflict.
Open Windows Settings, navigate to Apps, and select Default apps. Search for the 'Email' setting and select Outlook or your preferred email application from the list.
Open the Apple Mail application. Click on Mail in the top menu bar, select Settings (or Preferences), go to the General tab, and choose Outlook from the 'Default email reader' dropdown menu.
Close all open instances of Microsoft Excel and reopen your worksheet to see if the new default email settings have taken effect.
Add and Use the Mail Send Command
If standard email commands continue to fail, using the Mail Send command provides a reliable workaround for sending single worksheets.
Repair the Microsoft Office Installation
Repairing Office can fix corrupted registry keys or application configuration errors that cause the wrong email app to open.
Use WPS Office for Hassle-Free Spreadsheet Sharing
If Excel continues to launch the wrong email client due to registry issues, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that seamlessly integrates with your system's default email client for effortless file sharing.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your Windows or Mac computer.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx or .xls files without losing any formatting.
- 3. Share via Email: Click on the Menu, select Share, and choose Email to attach and send your file using your system's correctly configured default email client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel keep opening Windows Live Mail instead of Outlook?
This typically happens when Windows registry settings retain outdated default app associations, or Excel's internal command paths are corrupted. Even if you change the system setting to Outlook, Excel may still default to legacy paths unless Office is repaired or updated.
Does repairing Microsoft Office fix email client issues?
Yes, running a Quick Repair or Online Repair for Microsoft Office can refresh the software's registry keys and restore the proper connection between Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
How do I send an Excel file as an attachment without using the built-in email command?
You can simply save your Excel worksheet to your local drive, open your preferred email client (such as Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail) directly, compose a new message, and manually attach the saved file.
How do I change the default email app on macOS if Excel opens the wrong one?
Open the default Apple Mail application, click on 'Mail' in the top menu bar, select 'Settings' (or 'Preferences' on older versions), navigate to the 'General' tab, and select your preferred app from the 'Default email reader' dropdown.
